The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-01-01
THE MANUFACTURING INTERESTS

In Better Condition than for Several Years,
with Bright Prospects for 1887.
The manufacturing interests of the city. ae-
cording to the united Judgment of the represent
alive men in all lines of the business, nave not
been in better condition for several years. if
ever, than they are now. One year ago there
was general feeling of distrust among all the
firms of the city. Sales were made slowly, on
very small margin, and nearly or quite all on
time. Collections were difficult to make, and all
these. with numerous other causes, were very
discouragng. The first few months of the year
brought little relief, but gradually the de-
mand began to increase. The last six
months have brought MAJ velous changes, and
the beginning of 1887 finds the manufacturing
interests of the city a firm foundation, with
encouraging prospects. The number of men
given employment in the different manufacture
ing establishments is about per cent more
than on the 1st of January. 1885. The volume
of business done during the year is Is per cent.
greater than in 1885. Several new industries
have sprung up, and the number Of men to be
employed during 1887 WILL it is estimated, be 10
per cent. greater than in 1886. The rolling mill
alone which will be in operation soon, will give
employ menu TO several hundred men.
ut has been a much better year than we ex-
pected." said Mr.. George Merritt, of Merritt s.
Co.'s wooden mills. to Journal reporter. There
has been increase OF at least 10 per cent over
our business of 1885. Goods are being sold on a
| low margin, but there is much better market
| than for several years. The prospects for the
business of 1887 are fully so per cent. brighter
| than Jan. l, 1885"
Merrill A. Potter, treasurer of E. G. Atkins &
Co, saw and tool manufacturers, was glad that
| the time had come when the manufacturers
| could rejoice over their prospects "Our sales
in 1886 said he, ''were fully IS per cent greater
than IN 1885. and 10 per cent. greater than in
any year of the thirty that we have been in bus
mess here. We have greatly increased
our force of employees over 1885. Wages
| have been slightly advanced. Collection
have been fair the past year.
| the South and our greatest losses will be there.
People not ready to pay as they are to buy.
| Credit has been extended too literally, and in
| this can be found one of the main causes for the
| business depression from which are Just
! emerging. We are expecting still larger bust
| ness fer the coming year. All the disturb np
elements we had to meet the first of last year
have fled, and the outlook is certainly encourag
| ing"
In the line of founders, machinists, boiler
| makers and mill furrishers there is the same en-
| couraging outlook. In response to the inquiries
| Of Journal reporter last evening. Lathran
| Davis, OF the firm of Sinker, Davis & Co., said
I'VE have all the business we can do. The only
complaint is in prices We working more
men than ever before-15 per cent. more than W.
employed In 1855
what per cent. of increase has there been IL
your businessF
, Between Is and 20 per cent Collections
should say, are 10 better than in 1885. We ar,
beginning to Gee that the cash system is thu
safest and best, and we are working to that a.
rapidly as we can There is a tendency to bet
ter prices. and evidences of a sounder feeling
financially speaking all around. We now sci
for half cash. Last year the only way could
sell was all on time For the spring trade W,
have more inquiries and more estimates out tina,
ever before, and no reason why lSS
should not be splendid year"
There is not another city in the West tina
builds more engines than Indianapolis. Speak
fng for this branch of the trade
Thomas E. Chandler. of the firm OF
Chandler 81 Taylor, engine builders, said to